Könkäänvaara trail

The Könkäänvaara trail begins at the Vaattunkiköngäs parking area. Photo: AT

The beginning of the trail is a young pine forest. Photo: AT

The trail climbs up the hill and along the way the forest turns older and more massive. Photo: AT

Hikers can experience the feel of old forest at Könkäänvaara. Photo: AT

Könkäänvaara trail. Photo: AT

Könkäänvaara Hill Photo: AT

Forest on Könkäänvaara Hill is old and massive at points. Photo: AT

Old pine bark Photo: AT

The trail is marked in the terrain with posts. Photo: AT

Forest turns more lush on the northern side of the hill. Photo: AT

There is a cliff on the northern side of Könkäänvaara. Photo: AT

The hill-top is rocky and barren. Photo: AT

There is a table with benches at the top of the hill for hikers. Photo: AT

There are good spots for picking bilberries at the edges of the hill and on the northern side. Photo: AT

Könkäänvaara trail

The Könkäänvaara Trail is in Vikajärvi, 20.9 km from Rovaniemi toward Sodankylä. It is part of the Arctic Circle hiking area, a wilderness destination ideal for year-round outdoor recreation. The landscape's signature features are rugged hills, open string bogs, and Raudanjoki with its spectacular rapids and lush shoreline forest. The hiking area’s trail network is diverse and has several resting places, offering visitors of all ages a variety of hiking destinations. It is easy to access at all times of the year.

The Könkäänvaara Trail connects the Vaattunki and Makialampi parking areas and passes over rocky terrain on top of the Könkäänvaara, or Könkään Hill, so it can be slippery when it rains. It passes through a few young forests, but there is an old pine forest on Könkäänvaara. The hilltop offers great views over the surroundings, a table and benches for a scenic break. The round trip of the circular trail and two linear trails totals 4.9 km. Besides hiking, the trail is suitable for snowshoeing. The difficulty level is medium. Conveniences in the area include a table and benches on top of Könkäänvaara, and an outhouse and eco-point at the Vaattunki parking area.

Directions: drive 22.1 km out of Rovaniemi along Sodankyläntie; turn right on Vaattunkikönkääntie; drive 2.1 km to the parking area at the end of the road. Follow the Könkäänvaara Trail signposts from the parking area. The Arctic Circle hiking area is also accessible by bus along Sodankyläntie, 2.1 km from the Vaattunkiköngäs parking area along Vaattunkikönkääntie. The Vikaköngäs parking area is located in the vicinity of Sodankyläntie.

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Nearby destinations

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